Sbuckles30's Blog

Well, three days in the class and the teachers/students are doing marvelous work.  We have taught them how to create their own powerpoint and today we showed them ready-made powerpoints on the internet which they could use to incorporate into their own.  They took off running!  They were hard at work all day and their diligence paid off.  At the end of the day, we started everyone’s presentations and they were so well-done.  We were so proud of them and they were proud of themselves.  These are those teaching moments that remain with you always.  Seeing the light and excitement in their eyes was incredible. 

At one point, Chris looked over at me during an exceptional presentation and had the biggest smile on his face.  I gave him a thumbs up, and we both knew that what we are doing here is special.  We are actually teaching them something useful that can make their students learn better.  It was wonderful!

Stan was so pleased by the presentations.  Seeing his work come into fruition was an unbelievable sight.  So, everyone out there continue to pray for our work over here.

Wondering what the title means folks??? You will have to ask my good friend Allen.  He is the one who taught it to me.  He and Ally have become my best buds.  What I will do without them is beyond me.  Again last night we went out for dinner, the four of us in the PANDA.  By the way, if anyone out there has any connections with MTV, we would love to PIMP ALLEN’S PANDA!!!

Ally bought us lamb and we ate altogether at a table.  You dip the lamb in salt and hot chilis and eat with your hands.  It does not taste like lamb in the US.  It is much better, like most food in Tanzania.  Before the dinner is served, someone comes out with a pitcher and a bowl and you wash your hands.

Of course, like always we had wonderful conversation.  There was laughing all around and thanks to Chris, we all learned some sign language.  Ha ha!  Also, I have learned that Ally and Allen are true Tanzanian gentlemen.

Well, on to work.  Today, we taught the teachers powerpoint and what a success.  There was complete amazement in their eyes and they picked up on it rather quickly.  They all were diligently creating a powerpoint centered around a lesson.  It was incredible.  They all realized what an important tool PowerPoint is for a teacher.  After today’s lesson, most of them asked if they would be able to get a projector for their schools.  They want to use powerpoint and they are very serious about it.  We gave them other alternatives to a projector, but it would be great if we could provide projectors for them.  It would only cost $7,000 to provide projectors for all the schools in Iringa.  So, I will be working on that when I return to the States.

Ok, must go!  I will blog later and maybe have some more Ally and Allen stories to share with you all!

It is Saturday July 4th in Iringa, Tanzania.  There are no fireworks, no celebrations – just the continuation of daily life in Iringa.  I think the few Americans here might arrange a get together later tonight to celebrate our Independence Day.

Good news!  Our luggage arrived except for poor Chris.  I loaned him a pair of pants so he can alternate between the two.  Although I was excited to see my luggage, when I began unpacking, I kept saying to myself “This is too much stuff!”  For days I had been living simply without all the conveniences and I enjoyed it.  Every night before bed, I would do my laundry which was washing a few items in the sink and hanging them up in the room to dry for the next day.  Now I have all these clothes, lotions, makeup, medicines and any other item to make me feel more “comfortable” and all I keep saying to myself is who can give this stuff to?

I am happy with my African batika, African skirt, two shirts and two pair of socks.  The woman who runs the place I am staying was amazed at how I looked.  She said I looked like an “African” woman.  That was one of the best compliments I have ever received, because these African woman are absolutely beautiful – their way of dress, their faces and everything about them.

So, I don’t need all those different soaps,lotions and clothes.  I still have no music or clock and I am enjoying the peace and quiet.  Here in Iringa, time is of no importance.  Last night Ally mentioned that Tanzanians live like they have all the time in the world.  There is no rush to eat, to shop, to get ready in the morning, and even to date people.  After 3 months of “dating” his girlfriend, Ally stills says it is very early in the relationship.  He says he has his whole lifetime to get to know this woman.  What a wonderful concept!!!  I am slowly adopting this way of life while living amongst the Tanzanians.  I love their zest for life, their patience, their sense of humor and overall their contentment with their simple life.

Last night was a wonderful experience.  Chris, Ally, Allan and I went to the Annex Hotel Restaurant for dinner.  We took our time ordering our drinks and our food and just got to know one another.  Ally and Allan have been a blessing.  They are so upbeat and full of life.  We were at the restaurant for at least 2 hours and I had never laughed so hard in my life.  At one point, all of us were in tears from laughing so hard.  We had to grab more napkins to wipe the tears from our eyes.  We were talking about cultural differences, relationships, rap music, telling time, sushi, steak tartar, movies and tv programs.  From that one night of sharing and eating together, the four of us formed a special bond that we will never forget.  Also, out of the night came some inside jokes that still have me giggling to myself this morning.

It has just been incredible being here in Iringa and forming these friendships.  I wish I could truly convey to all of you the joy and the light in the Tanzanian’s eyes.  These people are so wonderful and such a blessing.  We could all learn a lot from their way of life and their outlook on life.  I am so happy that I have been given this opportunity to experience this.  In just a few days, they have taught me so much.  I look forward to the weeks to come and learning more.

On to work related issues.  The curriculum is coming along.  We have updated the computers, checked the programs, tested out the projector and it looks like we are ready to go.  Sunita, Chris and I will be doing a dry run today to get all the kinks out of our program.  Allan looked over the material and he was very pleased with what he saw.  He thinks this is going to be extremely beneficial to the teachers.  He even gave us a suggestion yesterday about giving the teachers a little test at the end of each day, to make sure they are understanding the material.

We have just met IT students from Tumaini University and they seem excited to learn.  Remember, this whole curriculum is designed for them to become familiar with the internet and it’s capabilities.  The goal is to produce good leaders for the Tanzanian people.

So, everyone being praying for us.  Monday morning is the start and we are all extremely excited to set off on this adventure.  Everything is nzuri sana (very good or very beautiful)

It is Thursday and we all made it safely, but our luggage did not arrive with us.  The flights went pretty smoothly except showing up at Dar es Salaam and waiting at the baggage claim until we were the only one’s left in the airport empty handed.  From Dar es Salaam the next morning started our 10 hour bus trip through Tanzania.  It is truly a beautiful country.  Baobab trees everywhere, baboons chasing the bus and apparently giraffes, but Chris and I were sleeping.

We arrived in Iringa around 8:30 pm Wednesday their time and had a lovely dinner with Ally, Lucas, Alan and Miguri.

Ally has been a godsend.  He is such an incredible young man.  He has helped us out immensely whether it be ordering food, carrying our backpacks, taking us shopping and teaching me Swahili.

Iringa is truly an enchanting place.  I woke up this morning around 4 am, practiced yoga, washed my hair due to the fact the water is ice cold and could not bare to take a full shower.  After all that, I woke up Chris and we decided to head out for a morning walk to get kuwaha (coffee).  We ended up walking through the bustling city, wandering through every alley market and cafe.  The people here are beautiful and kind.

After kuwaha, we ran into Ally on the street and he took me shopping for a dress and a scarf.  I ended up with a beautiful handmade dress and I have a skirt on order.

We have just arrived at the internet library and we will all start planning our agenda for Monday.  We are excited t0 get in the classroom and start the curriculum we have worked so hard on.

Thanks for all the prayers.  God has truly blessed me on this journey and He has made it very clear to me that I am in His hands.  We arrived safely and happy minus clothing and our American conveniences, but when you are here in the midst of this place, all that is forgotten.  Just being here in this gorgeous country and with these wonderful people is enough to sustain anyone.

I leave on Monday for the country of Tanzania in Africa.  Tension and excitement are high.  The team from Global Outreach is ready.  One has already arrived in Iringa and she is laying down the groundwork for the upcoming 4 weeks that we will be training teachers.  Everyone keep us in your prayers.  We have a big job to do and we will be observed by many important Tanzanian officials, including the minister of education.

I just hope I can get through the 2 day traveling adventure which includes 4 planes and a bus!

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